Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Control of 60% of Gaza Amid Stalled Truce
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces now control 60% of the Gaza Strip, exceeding the limits of the October US-brokered ceasefire. This expansion beyond the agreed "Yellow Line" occurs as negotiations for a permanent truce stall over Hamas disarmament. Despite ongoing violence and over 850 recent deaths, Netanyahu emphasized military achievements, including the elimination of key Hamas leaders and the return of hostages. The territorial shift threatens the ceasefire’s second phase, raising fears of resumed full-scale conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to secure compliance.
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Netanyahu Orders Israeli Army to Take Control of 70% of Gaza Strip, Defying Ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 28, 2026, that he has ordered the military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip from 60% to 70% of the territory, directly defying the terms of a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. Speaking at a conference in an occupied West Bank settlement, Netanyahu said the military currently controls 60% of Gaza and his directive is to move to 70%, squeezing Hamas from all sides. The first phase of the truce saw hostage releases, but the transition to the second phase—involving Hamas disarmament and gradual Israeli withdrawal—has been stalled for months. Gaza remains gripped by daily violence, with over 900 people killed since the ceasefire, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel also announced it killed the new head of Hamas's armed wing, Mohammed Odeh, the fourth such leader killed since the war began. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz repeated the goal of ending Hamas's rule and alluded to a plan for forced displacement of Gaza residents.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Netanyahu Seeks to Expand Israeli Military Control to 70% of Gaza Strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to expand military control over the Gaza Strip from the current 60% to 70%, according to a recorded speech. The US-brokered ceasefire, in effect since October 2025, has been repeatedly violated, with both Israel and Hamas trading accusations. The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in northern Gaza, killing at least five people, including senior Hamas military leader Mohammed Odeh. Over 900 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire began. Negotiations remain deadlocked as Hamas refuses to disarm and demands a full Israeli withdrawal, while the US peace plan conditions reconstruction on disarmament. UN envoy Nikolaj Mladenow warned of a deteriorating situation without progress.
taz.de - taz.deNetanyahu orders Israeli military to take 70% of Gaza in defiance of US-brokered ceasefire
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70 percent, directly contradicting the terms of a US-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hamas from October 2025. In a video statement at a conference in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu stated Israel currently controls 60 percent of Gaza and his directive is to move to 70 percent. The first phase of the ceasefire saw hostage returns and prisoner exchanges, but the second phase—requiring Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal—remains stalled. The ceasefire terms had mandated the Israeli military to retreat behind a designated 'yellow line.' Netanyahu's announcement signals a significant escalation and defiance of the diplomatic framework.
The Indian ExpressNetanyahu Orders Israeli Army to Take Control of 70% of Gaza Strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 28, 2026, that he has ordered the military to expand its control over the Gaza Strip to 70% of the territory, up from the current 60%. The directive defies the terms of a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October 2025. Netanyahu made the statement at a conference in an occupied West Bank settlement, as aired by Israel's Channel 12 network. He stated, 'We are currently squeezing Hamas. We now control 60% of the territory in the strip. You know, we were at 50, we moved to 60. My directive is to move to... 70%.' The announcement signals a significant escalation in Israeli military operations in Gaza despite the existing ceasefire agreement.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Netanyahu Claims Israel Controls 60 Percent of Gaza Strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz informed their cabinet that Israel currently controls 60 percent of the Gaza Strip. During the briefing, Netanyahu stated, "Already 60 percent. This is for today," indicating the extent of Israeli military presence at that specific time. Defence Minister Katz added a caveat to the assessment, suggesting the situation is dynamic, remarking, "Maybe that changed in the last hour." This disclosure highlights the ongoing military operations and the shifting territorial control within the enclave. The statement underscores the significant portion of Gaza under Israeli authority as of May 18, 2026, while also acknowledging the fluid nature of the conflict zone. The report, sourced from Al Jazeera America, focuses on the internal government communication regarding the strategic status of the Gaza Strip, reflecting the high-level monitoring of territorial gains by Israeli leadership during the continued hostilities.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraIsraeli Strikes Kill Eight in Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least eight Palestinians on May 17, 2026, according to health officials, as indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked. The violence persists despite efforts to advance US President Donald Trump's post-war plan, which aims to end over two years of conflict through Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal. Recent Israeli operations have intensified, including the confirmed killings of senior Hamas commanders Izz al-Din al-Haddad and Bahaa Baroud in precise strikes in Gaza City. While Israel asserts these targets posed immediate threats, civilian casualties continue to rise, with medics reporting deaths in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. Since an October ceasefire, approximately 870 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been killed. Israel maintains control over more than half of Gaza territory, while Hamas tightens its grip in remaining areas. The faltering diplomatic efforts and ongoing military engagements highlight the fragility of the current situation, with no immediate resolution in sight as both sides remain entrenched in their positions regarding security arrangements and territorial control.
Latest NewsNetanyahu: Israel Close to Eliminating All Responsible for Oct 7 Attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is nearing the completion of its mission to eliminate all individuals responsible for organizing the October 7, 2023, attacks. Speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu emphasized that every architect of the massacre and hostage-taking would be killed, describing the recent elimination of Ezzedine al-Haddad, a Hamas armed wing commander, as a significant step. Al-Haddad was killed in a targeted airstrike in Gaza. The statement follows the previously confirmed deaths of key Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. Netanyahu reported that Israeli forces currently control 60% of the Gaza Strip, indicating an expansion of operational presence despite reports of a US-brokered truce that mandated a withdrawal to a "yellow line." The Prime Minister asserted that Hamas is "at our fingertips" and reiterated the goal of ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel. This development highlights the ongoing tension between military objectives and diplomatic agreements in the region.
Digi24Netanyahu Declares Hunt for October 7 Architects Nearing Completion as Hamas Commander Killed
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 17, 2026, that the mission to eliminate those responsible for the October 7, 2023 attacks is nearly complete. This statement followed the Israeli military's confirmation of the death of Ezzedine Al-Haddad, a commander in Hamas's military wing, killed in Gaza on Friday. Netanyahu also reported the elimination of Bahaa Baroud, described as an operational leader of the movement. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Israeli forces currently control 60% of the Gaza Strip, indicating an expansion beyond the "yellow line" established under the ceasefire agreement from October 2025. This progress suggests continued military presence despite prior retreat terms. Since the conflict began, key Hamas figures such as Yahya Sinouar and Mohammed Deif have been killed. According to the Hamas-administered health ministry, whose figures are deemed reliable by the UN, the campaign has resulted in over 72,700 deaths in Gaza. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel aims to ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to its security.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeNetanyahu Claims Israel Near Elimination of Oct 7 Attack Architects
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 17, 2026, that Israel is nearing the completion of its mission to eliminate all masterminds behind the October 7 attacks. This statement followed the confirmed killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of Hamas’s armed wing, in a recent airstrike. Netanyahu reiterated his pledge to remove every architect of the massacre and hostage-taking, citing previous eliminations of key figures like Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif. Additionally, the Prime Minister stated that Israeli forces currently control 60 percent of Gaza’s territory, indicating an expansion beyond the "Yellow Line" established under the US-brokered ceasefire effective since October 10. While Israel aims to ensure Gaza no longer poses a security threat, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 72,700 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, a figure the United Nations deems reliable. The report highlights the ongoing military operations and the strategic shifts in territorial control amidst the prolonged conflict.
The Straits Times World NewsNetanyahu Claims Israel Controls 60% of Gaza Strip Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces currently control 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, marking the first official confirmation of territorial expansion within the enclave. Speaking during Jerusalem Day events, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's resilience against international pressure and confirmed that no territory had been relinquished since the conflict began. This declaration comes despite an existing ceasefire agreement initiated on October 10, which facilitated the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, tensions remain high as negotiations for the next phase of the deal, involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal to the "yellow line," have stalled. Reports indicate Israeli troops may be advancing beyond established lines toward an "orange line" due to concerns over Hamas retaining weapons. Violence has persisted despite the truce, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 850 Palestinian deaths and the Israeli military confirming five soldier fatalities since the ceasefire began. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement, raising fears that full-scale fighting could resume if diplomatic efforts fail to secure Hamas's surrender of arms.
Cyprus MailNetanyahu Admits Israel Controls 60% of Gaza, Breaching Ceasefire Terms
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel currently controls approximately 60% of the Gaza Strip, a figure that exceeds the territorial limits established under the US-mediated ceasefire agreement enacted in October 2025. According to reports from Haaretz, the original deal envisioned Israeli control over roughly 53% of the enclave. Palestinian officials and human rights groups accuse Israeli forces of gradually expanding beyond the agreed-upon demarcation lines, known as the "yellow line," into deeper areas of Gaza. Assessments by Doctors Without Borders and statements from Hamas officials corroborate that Israeli-controlled territory has expanded significantly, reducing living space for Palestinians. The expansion involves moving military barriers westward, particularly in the Netzarim corridor. This development threatens the second phase of the ceasefire plan, which envisages broader Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction in exchange for disarmament. While Hamas claims adherence to the initial phase, Israel insists on disarmament prior to further withdrawals, leading to accusations of treaty violations amidst ongoing military operations and territorial shifts.
Middle East MonitorNetanyahu Claims Israel Controls 60% of Gaza as Truce Talks Stall
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces now control 60 percent of the Gaza Strip, indicating an expansion beyond the boundaries established in the October ceasefire plan. Speaking at a Jerusalem Day event, Netanyahu highlighted the return of all hostages as a key achievement and warned that military operations would continue if Hamas does not disarm. This statement marks the first official confirmation of troops moving to a new 'Orange Line,' surpassing the previously agreed 'Yellow Line' which limited control to just over 50 percent of the territory. The announcement comes amid stalled negotiations for a permanent end to the war, with mediators struggling to resolve issues regarding Hamas's disarmament and further Israeli withdrawals. Violence persists despite the truce, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 850 Palestinian deaths and the Israeli military confirming five soldier casualties since the ceasefire began. Reports suggest Israel is prepared to resume full-scale fighting if diplomatic efforts fail to secure Hamas's compliance with disarmament terms.
The Straits Times World NewsNetanyahu Claims Israeli Military Controls 60% of Gaza Strip Amid Stalled Truce Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli forces currently control 60% of the Gaza Strip, indicating an expansion beyond the boundaries established by the October US-brokered ceasefire plan. This declaration comes as violence persists daily in Gaza and negotiations for a permanent end to the war remain stalled. Netanyahu emphasized Israel's military strength and claimed the successful return of all hostages, contradicting earlier calls for withdrawal. The ceasefire terms originally required Israeli troops to withdraw to a "Yellow Line," retaining control over just over 50% of the territory. However, recent reports suggest troops have advanced to an "Orange Line." While the first phase of the truce facilitated hostage exchanges, the second phase, focusing on Hamas's disarmament and further Israeli withdrawal, has seen little progress. Mediators warn that fighting could resume if Hamas refuses to disarm. Since the truce began, Gaza's health ministry reports over 850 Palestinian deaths, while the Israeli military confirms five soldier fatalities. The situation remains volatile with significant humanitarian and political implications.
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